Meet Ashley Alvarez | Actress/ model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
As an aspiring actress and single mother of two the thought of giving up crosses my mind more than I would like to admit. Chasing a dream comes with a lot of sacrifices and I know that if I give up after all the sacrifices then it was all for nothing. This is my plan A and I have no back up so I have to be all in.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born and raised and East LA and always had a love for performing. Growing up in the 90’s a dark skinned Latina that doesn’t speak Spanish there wasn’t a space for me in the industry. I didn’t see anyone that represented me. I went to college to study dance and during that time I was approached by a promoter who was opening a new nightclub and needed gogo dancers. I auditioned and never looked back from there I started doing promotional modeling and have been a published model for over 15 plus years. I have also worked at some of the largest conventions and many brands . It’s hard to say what I’m most proud of because I’m thankful for even the smallest opportunities. This journey has not been easy especially coming back into the industry after taking 7 years off to raise my kids. When I left social media was barley a thing lol, and models all looked different . Coming back as a mature woman in my 30s I have a different drive and discipline. I’m more secure in myself and not afraid to push my creativity. The ability to not let people see me sweat has really gotten me through even on my worst day. I want people to know that I have just gotten started and that even after 15 plus years of working in this industry your only as good as your last project so you always have to be working on your craft, creating opportunities for yourself and networking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow you think being a Los Angeles native I would know of a lot of cool places lol. I would of course have to do a dodger game because I bleed blue. Bosa Nova on sunset is one of my all time favorite restaurants. But the beauty of LA is that there is always something new popping up a new restaurant, bar, show. There is sooo much going on at any given time the options would be endless lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and always foremost my kids because they are my biggest fans. They go through every loss and experience every win with me. I have been blessed to work with some amazing photographers Jeff Reyes and Rene Rodriguez who allow me to create beautiful art and express my creativity as a model. They are also two of my biggest supporters. To the Chicano Hollywood community that has given me opportunity as an actress and continues to create content for the Latino community.

Instagram: @ashleyalvarezofficial

Facebook: Ashley M Alvarez

Image Credits
Jeff Reyes Photo rebel Shot by Cherry